Tottenham Hotspur have significantly strengthened their attacking options with the imminent signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.
The 42-time Ghana international enjoyed a productive spell at the London Stadium, registering 19 goals and 13 assists in 80 appearances across all competitions — despite the Hammers generally underperforming during that time.
Now, Kudus is set to trade East London for North, with The Athletic reporting (9 July) he’ll join Spurs for £55million off the back of the Lilywhites’ triumph in the Europa League final — sealing Champions League football despite finishing 17th in the Premier League.
Kudus — who also garnered interest from Newcastle and Chelsea — is Spurs’ fifth signing of the summer following the conversion of Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso’s loans into permanent deals and the arrivals of youngsters Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai — with Spurs looking to back new manager Thomas Frank.
His move will, of course, draw the ire of the West Ham fanbase, but there’s far more to it than that.
Mohammed Kudus arrival could spell trouble for Son Heung-min
Kudus‘ arrival is a huge statement of intent from Spurs, who will now seek to re-establish themselves at the top of the Premier League table and add another trophy to the Europa League crown won under Ange Postecoglou.
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However, for Son Heung-min, this may be just the latest step on his path away from Tottenham.
The South Korean is a club legend, notching 173 goals and 101 assists in 454 appearances across all competitions to date since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015.
Given his status as one of the Premier League’s most fearsome attackers, there have surely been plenty of opportunities for Son to leave for pastures new, but he’s remained faithful to Spurs.
However, last season saw a major dip in Son’s performances, failing to register double-figure goals in the Premier League for the first time since his debut Spurs campaign. 10 goals overall represents his worst return since that same 2015/16 campaign.
Son Heung-min and Tottenham facing difficult decision
At 33 years old, Son has started to look a shadow of his former self and was even dropped to the bench by Postecoglou for the Europa League final, playing just 23 minutes at the end of the match.
The likes of Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski have often been preferred in his position, while Richarlison, Mikey Moore and Wilson Odobert are involved in the battle for places on the wings.
The addition of Kudus — along with Tel on a permanent basis — will surely only serve to push the veteran further down the pecking order.
Son — whose contract expires next summer — must now decide whether he wants to remain as an experienced squad player or find a new challenge.
Indeed, Spurs must also consider whether or not they want to keep such a handsome salary package on the books, given the reduced playing time Son is likely to endure.